Samu Adler, 17, and Mikael Aalto, 30, are hunting for their first men’s international match in November’s Georgia matches.
The Finnish national basketball team held a media conference today, Tuesday. The topics of the media event were the starting European Championship qualifying window and the announcement of Susijeng’s November European Championship qualifying group. The head coach was there from the team Lassi Tuovi and the player Elias Valtonen.
Susijengi will play twice in November (21.11 and 24.11) against Georgia in Finland in non-stakes matches. Finland has secured a place in next summer’s European Championships, as one of the first groups will be played in Tampere.
Tuovi and his coaching staff have assembled a group of 17 players for the European Championship qualifying window in November. Familiar names are included, such as those who excelled in the Euroleague and the French premier league with Paris Basketball Mikael Jantunen24, but also new names; newcomers to Salon Vilppa Samu Adler17, and Korihaiden Mikael Aalto30.
– Georgia is a traditional basketball country with a lot of experienced European top-level players Tornike from Shengelia to Giorgi Shermadin. They know that losing in these matches would most likely mean being excluded from next summer’s European Championships. It is certain that Georgia tries to take the initiative in the matches and play basketball that looks like itself, Tuovi said.
Jantunen with Paris
Mikael Jantunen’s situation was also discussed at the media conference. Paris Basketball, represented by Jantunen, will play its Euroleague match on November 21 at the same time as Susijeng’s first match against Georgia.
According to head coach Tuov, Jantunen will join Susijeng’s strength after this.
– Basically, the players come when the club no longer has games. Jantunen plays with Paris and then joins Susijeng, Tuovi stated.
In the wolf gang, Jantunen has risen Lauri Markkanen after perhaps becoming Finland’s most important player. For Finland, despite the lack of stakes, the Georgia matches are an important preparation for the EC home games.
The hand-wringing between the Euroleague and the International Basketball Federation, Fiba, has been talking about international basketball for years. The international window in February doesn’t have Euroleague games at the same time, so national teams have to juggle when certain star players are available and when they aren’t.
In Paris Basketball, Jantunen has also become an important starting five player, and in the Euroleague, every match is very important for the Parisians at the moment.
So Jantunen saw Susijengi in another Georgia match on November 24.
Paris, represented by Jantunen, is tied for eighth in the Euroleague. Tuomas Iisalo coached the team for a season before moving to North America and the NBA.
– It’s great to see that even though the coach changed in Paris, Jantunen has been given responsibility and developed all the time. The future is bright, Tuovi praised.
Top promise Adler
17-year-old Samu Adler, who plays in Salon Vilppaa, has made a splash in the Korisliiga season that has started, which has now also brought an invitation to the men’s A national team for the first time.
Elias Valtonen has not yet been able to play with Adler, but has followed his moves in the domestic league.
– One of the best defenders in the Korisliiga at the moment. I’m looking forward to working with him, Valtonen said.
At the media conference, Tuovi highlighted Adler’s physical game, which is very helpful on the basketball court.
– Everyone knows his potential. Adler is a big, physical backcourt player. At Susijeng, we are used to the fact that when new talent comes along, we let them show their talent. The playing role then takes shape with the game performances, Tuovi said.
The competition place is certain. What’s it like to prepare for the Georgia games?
– Of course, the level of pressure is different, but the preparation is the same. No need to think too much about the Games already. These next games are now the most important, Valtonen assured.
Susigengi will meet Georgia in Espoo on November 21. The second match of the qualifying window will be played on November 24 at Georgia’s home ground. Finland is second in Group G right after Serbia. Georgia, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the group after two losses.